I understand that it isn’t always easy to decide to pursue therapy, but I believe that getting started should be easy. When you’re thinking about starting therapy, the paperwork and payment process shouldn’t get in the way of you starting to get the help you’re seeking. Yet this paperwork is necessary for us to work together, as it ensures we are both on the same page about starting therapy.
My goal is to make this process as easy as possible, whether you’re paying for therapy out of pocket or using your insurance benefits. Here are the next steps to get started with therapy.
Step 1: Scheduling An Initial Consultation Call
The first step is to schedule a free initial consultation. I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. The purpose is to discuss your situation and see if we’ll be a good fit to work together. If you have Medicaid, I will also verify which Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) covers your behavioral health services to ensure I’m in-network for you. (I’m contracted with CCHA and Colorado Access).
During this brief informational call, I will learn about your reasons for seeking therapy, and you can ask questions about my approach. This is not a therapy session. Consultations are available by phone or remotely.
Schedule your consultation here. I’ll confirm availability by email.
Step 2: Getting Set Up After Our Consultation Call
If we decide to work together, we can schedule an intake session, and you’ll receive an email from me asking you to sign in to your client portal. Signing in to this portal will provide you with access to a copy of my disclosure form and privacy policies for your signature, as well as any other documentation required for my records.
- If you have Medicaid or Optum/United, upload your insurance information to your TherapyNotes portal. If you have Optum/United or plan to self-pay, you’ll also upload the billing authorization form here.
- If you have Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Beacon/Kaiser, or Cigna, your portal will be through SonderMind. You’ll receive an email from them with instructions for setting up your portal. Follow the prompts to upload your insurance and payment information, which will be used for any copays or coinsurance you owe.
Step 3: Starting Therapy
If You Are Choosing to Self-Pay
If you are choosing to self-pay, you have the right to ask for a Good Faith Estimate of how much therapy with me may cost. Please know that, as my best estimate, it may change depending on the course of therapy and changing treatment needs.
However, below are my rates:
- The initial 60-minute intake session is $150.
- 55-minute sessions are $135.
- 45-minute sessions are $100.
- 30-minute sessions are $75.
If You Have Insurance
If you have insurance, before we meet, please complete these steps:
- Confirm with your insurance what mental health coverage you have, as some plans cover only medical, not behavioral health. The exact out-of-pocket amount can vary; some plans have a copay, others require you to pay toward a deductible. Knowing these details before starting therapy helps you avoid surprises.
- Complete your client portal setup. Without it, billing and meetings can’t proceed. SonderMind requires you to upload your own insurance and payment details; I cannot do this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payments and Fees
Below are some FAQs about payments and fees.
Do You Work With the State Medicaid Waivers?
I don’t currently work with the Colorado Medicaid waiver program. There are a few music therapists in the area who do work with this program. You can find Program Approved Service Agencies on the Imagine Foundation website.
However, SoundWell Music Therapy is an approved Medicaid behavioral health provider and is contracted with Colorado Community Health Alliance and Colorado Access.
Do You Offer a Sliding Scale?
I do. It is the policy of SoundWell Music Therapy to not deny a person access to services due to an inability to pay. Because of this, I offer a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income.
If you are paying, or are planning to pay, for counseling services out-of-pocket, you have the right to request a good faith estimate of charges. This is a good faith estimate, and while it will be my best-advised estimate, it may change depending upon the course of therapy and the changing needs for treatment.